Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Tamara Keith's Journey from Valley to Covering the White House for NPR
David Website Replacement
By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 7 years ago on
February 21, 2018

Share

Tamara Keith’s journey to covering the White House started in the back seat of her parent’s car. During road trips in high school, the Hanford native listened to NPR. That motivated her to write to the NPR journalists seeking advice.
“I heard back from several of them, which was amazing,” Keith told GV Wire. “One thing led to another, and I was doing essays on teen life that aired on NPR.”
That led to a career in public radio that currently has her on the White House beat.
Listen to David Taub’s full interview with Tamara Keith.
Part 1:
Part 2:
 
She will be back Saturday night (Feb. 24), for a special event, “An Evening with Tamara Keith,” on behalf of Valley Public Radio (KVPR-89.3 FM). The event at Clovis Community College is sold out.
While Keith is popular back in the Valley, she admits she is not the most famous alumni of Hanford High. That would go to Journey frontman Steve Perry.

Differences between Trump & Obama Administrations

Keith covers the Trump administration for NPR. She started on the White House beat in the final years of President Obama.

“Trump has made it a point to surround himself with outsiders, who don’t have Washington experience. There are operational differences.” —Tamara Keith

“Trump has made it a point to surround himself with outsiders, who don’t have Washington experience. There are operational differences,” Keith said, explaining the how the two most recent presidents contrast.
She also noted the turnover of Trump staffers, at a higher rate than the prior administration.
As far as Trump’s personality, Keith references his book “The Art of the Deal.”
“It doesn’t matter what they are saying, as long as they are talking about you,” Keith said.

Trust in the Media

Keith is also aware of the public’s waning trust in media institutions, fanned by accusations of “fake news” by the likes of Trump.
She talked about the use of anonymous sources in reporting, and how the requests come from the White House itself.
Keith described a recent official White House briefing that wasn’t on camera.

“As much they are shouting about anonymous sources and fake news, they are demanding their spokespeople for the administration be quoted anonymously.”—Tamara Keith

“They insisted that the officials who were speaking to us not be named. That nearly happens on a daily basis. It happened in the Obama White House; it’s happening in the Trump White House. As much they are shouting about anonymous sources and fake news, they are demanding their spokespeople for the administration be quoted anonymously,” she says.
So, what will Keith talk about in Clovis?
“I don’t know. That’s what the flight there is for,” she joked. In addition to White House stories, Keith will also take questions from the audience.

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

World Leaders React to US Attack on Iran

DON'T MISS

Congress Members Split Over US Attack on Iran

DON'T MISS

Investors Brace for Oil Price Spike, Rush to Havens After US Bombs Iran Nuclear Sites

DON'T MISS

Investors React to US Attack on Iran Nuclear Sites

DON'T MISS

Tulare County’s Colvin Fire Ignites With 80 Personnel on Scene

DON'T MISS

US B-2 Bombers Involved in Iran Strikes, U.S. Official Says

DON'T MISS

Trump Says Iran’s Key Nuclear Sites ‘Obliterated’ by Airstrikes

DON'T MISS

LA Dodgers Pledge $1 Million to Support Families Impacted by ICE Raids

DON'T MISS

Pakistan to Nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

DON'T MISS

Vance, in Los Angeles, Says Troops Need to Stay, Blasts Newsom Over Immigration

UP NEXT

Congress Members Split Over US Attack on Iran

UP NEXT

Investors Brace for Oil Price Spike, Rush to Havens After US Bombs Iran Nuclear Sites

UP NEXT

Investors React to US Attack on Iran Nuclear Sites

UP NEXT

Tulare County’s Colvin Fire Ignites With 80 Personnel on Scene

UP NEXT

US B-2 Bombers Involved in Iran Strikes, U.S. Official Says

UP NEXT

Trump Says Iran’s Key Nuclear Sites ‘Obliterated’ by Airstrikes

UP NEXT

LA Dodgers Pledge $1 Million to Support Families Impacted by ICE Raids

UP NEXT

Pakistan to Nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

UP NEXT

Vance, in Los Angeles, Says Troops Need to Stay, Blasts Newsom Over Immigration

UP NEXT

Nuclear Diplomacy Stuck, Israel Says It Killed Top Iran Commander

David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

Investors React to US Attack on Iran Nuclear Sites

14 hours ago

Tulare County’s Colvin Fire Ignites With 80 Personnel on Scene

14 hours ago

US B-2 Bombers Involved in Iran Strikes, U.S. Official Says

15 hours ago

Trump Says Iran’s Key Nuclear Sites ‘Obliterated’ by Airstrikes

15 hours ago

LA Dodgers Pledge $1 Million to Support Families Impacted by ICE Raids

20 hours ago

Pakistan to Nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

20 hours ago

Vance, in Los Angeles, Says Troops Need to Stay, Blasts Newsom Over Immigration

20 hours ago

Nuclear Diplomacy Stuck, Israel Says It Killed Top Iran Commander

20 hours ago

Mahmoud Khalil Vows to Resume Pro-Palestinian Activism After Release From US Jail

20 hours ago

Trump Says He Wants to Fund More Trade Schools. Just Not These.

20 hours ago

World Leaders React to US Attack on Iran

The reaction of world leaders after U.S. forces struck three Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday Iran time ranged from Israel lauding President ...

12 hours ago

Patrons of the Chapel Street Cafe watch as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation following U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. June 21, 2025. (Reuters/Dylan Martinez)
12 hours ago

World Leaders React to US Attack on Iran

The U.S. Capitol building is seen in Washington, U.S., December 1, 2023. (Reuters File)
13 hours ago

Congress Members Split Over US Attack on Iran

Emergency personnel work at an impact site following Iran's missile strike on Israel, amid the Iran-Israel conflict, in Haifa, Israel, June 20, 2025. (Reuters File)
13 hours ago

Investors Brace for Oil Price Spike, Rush to Havens After US Bombs Iran Nuclear Sites

President Donald Trump gestures next to a new flagpole with the U.S. flag after disembarking Marine One upon arrival at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 21, 2025. (Reuters/Kevin Mohatt)
14 hours ago

Investors React to US Attack on Iran Nuclear Sites

A wildfire dubbed the Colvin Fire broke out Saturday near Woodlake in Tulare County, burning 46 acres with 0% containment and threatening two structures, according to CalFire. (CalFire)
14 hours ago

Tulare County’s Colvin Fire Ignites With 80 Personnel on Scene

15 hours ago

US B-2 Bombers Involved in Iran Strikes, U.S. Official Says

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation alongside U.S. Vice President JD Vance, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 21, 2025, following U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/Pool
15 hours ago

Trump Says Iran’s Key Nuclear Sites ‘Obliterated’ by Airstrikes

Oct 24, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the centerfield plaza during media prior to game one of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images/File Photo
20 hours ago

LA Dodgers Pledge $1 Million to Support Families Impacted by ICE Raids

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend